in Architecture.** See Architecture.

**BASHARIANS,** a sect of Mahometans, being a branch or subdivision of the Motazalites. The Basharians are those who maintain the tenets of Bashar Ebn Motamer, a principal man among the Motazalites, who varied, in some points, from the general tenets of the sect, as carrying man's free agency to a great length, and even to the making him independent.

**BASHAW,** a Turkish governor of a province, city, or other district.

A bashaw is made with the solemnity of carrying a flag or banner before him, accompanied with music and songs, by the miriamele, an officer on purpose for the investiture of bashaws. Bashaw, used absolutely, denotes the prime vizier; the rest of the denomination being distinguished by the addition of the province, city, or the like, which they have the command of; as the bashaw of Egypt, of Palestine, &c. The bashaws are the emperor's sponges. We find loud complaints among Christians of their avarice and extortion. As they buy their governments, every thing is venal with them. They live in their governments in a style of princely splendour and profusion. When glutted with wealth, the emperor frequently makes them a present of a bowstring, and becomes heir to all their spoils.